The threat of fire in the Arkansas River Valley has been very real lately. First, we experienced an increase in house fires, which is somewhat normal for the beginning of winter due to the use of space heaters, fire places, etc.

However, extremely dry conditions created a fire-friendly environment outside as well. Yell County was up close and personal with the Spring Mountain fire earlier this week. Many burn bans remain in effect - Yell County being one of those. Pope County, on the other hand, has lifted its ban.

Officials still encourage residents to exercise extreme caution as the possibility for wildfires is still high.

Local firefighters who battled the Spring Mountain fire off Wildcat Hollow Road beginning Sunday morning deserve, at the least, a pat on the back.

Some of these fighters fought for 36 hours straight with little or no breaks. They didn't do it for the glory. They didn't do it because they are paid well to do so.

They did it because they knew a weak effort might have allowed the fire to enter the valley and the residential area below Spring Mountain.

They fought like they did to protect their neighbors' homes and families. Some of you are thinking, "So what. They're firemen. That's what they do."

True. They are firemen, but they didn't have to go to the extent they did. These people were not going to let the fire win. No matter how tired they became, they kept fighting.

Thank you for the world-class effort, and thanks for having a brave heart in the face of adversity.